Northacres Off-Leash Dog Area
Parks in Seattle
This spacious off-leash dog area features fenced trails, open spaces, and shaded areas for dogs to run and explore. Amenities include water access, poop bag stations, benches, and ample parking for owners.
- Address: 12718 1st Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125, USA
- Phone: (206) 684-4075
- Website: Visit website
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (556 reviews)
- Category: Parks
Visiting With Your Dog
When you arrive at this wonderful off-leash park in the Northgate area, you'll find plenty of parking right at the entrance, which is a huge convenience during busy weekend mornings. The off-leash area is spacious and well-maintained, giving your pup plenty of room to burn off energy while socializing with other dogs. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and friendly, with owners watching their dogs closely and keeping things safe for everyone. That said, I'd recommend coming during weekday afternoons if your dog prefers a quieter experience—mornings and early evenings tend to get quite crowded.
Bring water and a collapsible bowl, especially on warmer days, since your dog will work up quite a thirst during playtime. The trails throughout the park offer a nice change of pace if you want to explore beyond the open off-leash area, so comfortable walking shoes for you are just as important as a good dog attitude. I always pack some waste bags in my jacket pocket, though dispensers are available throughout the park.
One of my favorite aspects of visiting is how easily it connects to the broader neighborhood. After an hour or two of play, my dog and I often head over to Mintish Coffee House nearby for a quick caffeine boost—they have outdoor seating where well-behaved pups are welcome. On other visits, we've grabbed a beer at one of the nearby breweries like Wheelie Pop, which also welcomes leashed dogs on their patios.
Before your first visit, make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and comfortable with off-leash play. The park's layout makes it easy to keep an eye on your dog while still giving them freedom to roam. Whether it's your pup's first time or you're a regular, Northacres offers that perfect combination of exercise, socialization, and neighborhood accessibility that makes Seattle such a great place to own a dog.
Explore more dog-friendly places: Parks in Seattle · All dog-friendly places in Seattle